Had a list been drafted up halfway through the season of the Arsenal players that Mikel Arteta could not afford to lose in their pursuit of top four, it would have been fairly lengthy. There have been so many top performers and so little depth of quality available in crucial areas that any big absence might’ve derailed the club’s hopes.
However, Arsenal have coped well when losing the likes of Granit Xhaka to a long-term injury in the first half of the season in addition to the African Cup of Nations participants. Yet, when it was confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu had suffered a calf injury, worry rightly set in.
The Japanese international has been such an important part of the back five that had cemented its place as one of the top defensive units in the league. The replacement, Cedric Soares, did not invoke confidence in the supporter base after the experienced full-back had partaken in a number of uninspiring performances in previous seasons.
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However, Cedric has since been a solid example of a player who has taken an opportunity. He featured in the five successive Premier League victories over Wolves (home and away) Brentford, Watford and Leicester City.
Against Liverpool, he performed well again although both of the Reds’ goals came from moves down the right flank. Perhaps Tomiyasu’s presence would have better dealt with the plays, but it cannot be underrated the level that Cedric has shown in the past two months.
Speaking ahead of the match with Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta explained that there was a ‘chance’ that Tomiyasu could return for the weekend. The 22-year-old had been training before the Liverpool clash but not deemed ready.
“There is a chance, but we don’t know. Let’s see today,” said Arteta. “He had a recurring injury around the same place. After that you have to be very cautious.”
Tomiyasu however has not been called up by the Japanese national side for the international break. Whilst this will please Arsenal, allowing more time for recovery going into the Premier League run-in, it does perhaps highlight the uncertainty around his fitness levels.
Meanwhile, Cedric has been called up to the Portuguese national side. This is the second time under Mikel Arteta that the 30-year-old has earned another return to the team.
Nelson Semedo’s absence is certainly a contributing factor, however, Fernando Santos has recognised the quality that Cedric has shown of late. Arteta will be hoping the international recognition Cedric has will be a boost to him as he likely starts against Aston Villa on Saturday.
He is likely to be up against Philippe Coutinho, a player Cedric faced many times whilst at Southampton and when the Brazilian was a player of Liverpool. Villa have lofty ambitions and Cedric will also face a familiar former colleague in Calum Chambers.
Arsenal decided to allow the right-back to depart for Villa in January, putting faith in the Portuguese player. Despite Chambers’ versatility to play at full-back or centre half, Arteta instead was decisive in opting for Cedric.
Many supporters have highlighted a need to reinforce the position in the summer. Cedric has all the motivation to prove the doubters wrong and try to help Arsenal to their sixth win in seven matches tomorrow afternoon.
